Lola had just arrived where her Epreuve would take place. Like all the other major places of Neo-Arkos Universe, it was a tree, larger than existence itself but unlike Arbreris, that seemed to be made of light this one—Aquamlac—seemed to be made purely of water.
From the outside, it was a transparent tree surrounded by a water bubble. Inside was a world built on the ocean. The branches bearing cities, towns, even independent structures were gigantic oceans. Outside of the occasional islands, there were little to no land as far as the eye could see.
Lola took a deep breath, memories flashing in her mind. Memories of her travelling from branch to the other, enjoying the view with her family. "Home sweet home." She said in a mutter, the corners of her lips slightly curled upward.
She then turned her head toward the tree's transparent trunk. "That's where I'm heading." Lola noted to herself. She tapped on her ring, displaying a map of the area. "Yikes," She breathed, a frown forming on her face. "That's gonna take months if not an entire year and of course we have to be on foot too... Oh well, let's get started."
Unlike Viktor, who only had one other participant, Lola's StarShip was filled to the brim but she chose not to ally herself with anyone. She was trusting as the dark-skinned boy and she didn't possess a Qualite of Sombrage to detect someone's intentions. She could run into someone actually trustworthy or an absolute asshole and she wasn't going to take that chance.
With her map in front of her eyes, she started to make her way toward the nearest town. She wanted to have supplies such as food, drinkable water, painkillers... The basic stuff for ChaosWalkers.
"Lola?" Someone called. It was a woman in her forties with long brown hair tied into a low ponytail resting on her shoulder.
"Aunt Leau!" Lola replied enthusiastically, hugging the older woman. "It's so nice to see you."
"How long has it been? Four (4) years?" The woman asked, letting the girl go.
"Six (6) actually, the last time was at Wasser's graduation. How is everyone doing?"
"They are all doing great! Wasser is on another branch studying medicine. Since you're here, want to take a cup of tea?"
"Sure, I have some time." Lola nodded. The two walked side by side, they reached a small tea shop. They talked about everything and nothing until their tea was served.
"So, looking at your attire, you are undergoing your Epreuve." Leau remarked, to which Lola nodded. "Honestly, I didn't think that Regius would let you become a ChaosWalker after Agua's passing."
"It took a lot of convincing but he ultimately let me go, although he was..."
"Silent afterwards?" Leau added, to which the pink-haired girl nodded. "Hah, haven't changed one bit! Don't worry about him too much, he'll come around. Even though Regius can be a bit overprotective, he just want what's best for his family."
"I see." Lola chuckled a bit. "The suit of armor was his idea, after all." Lola took a look at her ring. "Oh, I should probably go get my supplies now. It was nice seeing you, Aunty."
"The pleasure is all mine, little princess." Leau said, lowering her head as if bowing.
"Come on, let's not do that." Lola interjected, her face turning red.
"Alrighty alrighty." Leau chuckled. "About your supplies though... Why don't you go to your uncle's place? He recently opened up a shop, you should be able to find everything you need there."
"Uncle Lacq has a shop? Sure, I'll check it out. Thanks." Lola got up from her chair and waved as she walked away. The shop in question was a few minutes of walk away.
It wasn't anything special, just a small local with white walls and baskets outside. Heading inside, Lola found a middle aged man dusting and adjusting different items.
"One moment," He said, walking up to his counter. His gaze narrowed at the girl in dark blue plated armor standing before him.
"Hello, uncle Lacq." Lola greeted, a smirk on her lips.
"Wait... Lola!?" The man said, shock evident in his voice.
"Yes, it's been a while."
"A while? More like years! I haven't seen you since Wasser's graduation! How have you been? Is your old man still a workaholic?" Lacq remarked, crossing his arms.
"I've been well, and yes, he's still addicted to his papers." Lola replied.
"Aye aye, some things don't change eh. Anyways, how can I help you?"
Lola handed him a list of what she needed for her journey. Lacq happily helped her, and even added a few more things.
"Good luck on your journey! I'll get your old man to throw a party when you'll return!"
"Alright. I'll see you later then, uncle Lacq!" Lola waved, exiting the shop. Now that she had gotten everything she wanted, her next step was to head the tree's trunk. Getting there alone would take a while because she had to walk and traverse countless oceans to get there, all with her own capabilities.
It took her five hours to reach the edge of the island she was currently on. According to her map, this ocean alone spanned over five millions six hundred fifty eight thousands two hundred and thirteen (5,658, 213) square kilometers. "Now wonder boats take months to go across," She muttered to herself.
Besides the titanic trunk in the sky, there was nothing as far as her eyes could see. "Thankfully, I can manipulate water. That should help a bit but before that..." Lola produced cores out of her ring. These were the cores she got from the Trial of Rupture. She hadn't consumed them yet. There were too many eyes in the StarShip and she got a bit distracted when she landed.
"I don't think there's anyone around but just in case..." She stepped in the water, slowly submerging into the body of water. Then, she formed a bubble around, letting herself sink a few meters under the surface.
Cultivation required one's full attention, and that left them vulnerable as they have to focus. If anyone tried to attack Lola, she should have enough time to prepare herself. She hoped it wouldn't come to that though.